Filed under: Photo Galleries , Pawn Stars , Ride Me It was destroyed in a blazing inferno last week — and now TMZ has obtained pictures of its smoldering remains … the History Channel ‘s famous cherry ’57 Chevy. TMZ broke the story … the car — which became the centerpiece in a massive three-show special involving ” American Pickers ,” ” American Restoration ,” and ” Pawn Stars ” — burst into flames last Friday. But thankfully, these guys are pros — and as we previously reported, they had the car completely repaired in a few hours. Permalink

Filed under: Isaiah Rider , TMZ Sports , Celebrity Justice , NBA Former NBA 1st round draft pick Isaiah “J.R.” Rider was arrested in Arizona this week for violating his probation … TMZ has learned. Rider — who played in the NBA from 1993 to 2001 — is currently behind bars in Maricopa County on a no-bail hold.

Filed under: Isaiah Rider , TMZ Sports , Celebrity Justice , NBA Former NBA 1st round draft pick Isaiah “J.R.” Rider was arrested in Arizona this week for violating his probation … TMZ has learned. Rider — who played in the NBA from 1993 to 2001 — is currently behind bars in Maricopa County on a no-bail hold.

Filed under: Conrad Murray , Michael Jackson , Conrad Murray Trial , Celebrity Justice Michael Jackson wanted to dedicate his ” This Is It ” concerts to his children — and in a heartbreaking conversation Dr. Conrad Murray recorded weeks before the singer died, MJ claims, “I love them because I didn’t have a childhood.” You can hear MJ’s voice in the recording — slurred, incoherent — explaining how he wanted to outdo The Beatles and Elvis with his final concerts, and go down in history as the greatest entertainer who ever lived. Michael becomes extremely emotional while speaking about his children — claiming, “I had no childhood. I feel their pain. I feel their hurt.” Murray recorded the conversation on his iPhone on Sunday May 10th, 2009 at 9:05 AM. It’s unclear why — but according to prosecutors, it documents MJ under the influence of “unknown agents.” It also shows Murray was familiar with Michael in altered states of mind. At one point in the clip, Murray asks Michael if he’s okay — and Michael responds, “I am asleep.” The recording — a clip of which Prosecutor David Walgren played during his opening statement — was uncovered by investigators after they seized Murray’s device. Permalink

Filed under: Swamp People , Celebrity Justice One of the gator hunters on the History Channel reality show ” Swamp People ” is rotting away in a Louisiana jail cell … after cops say he attacked a police officer last month. TMZ has learned Nicholas Payne — who served as apprentice to overall-wearing, American flag bandana sporting bad ass Bruce Mitchell — was arrested on Sept. 23. According to the police report, cops in St. Tammany Parish, Looooosiana got a call about a “disturbance” at a private home … and when they got to the scene, Payne committed a battery on one of the responding officers with his “hands/fist/feet.” 26-year-old Payne was arrested for disturbing the peace, resisting arrest and felony battery of a police officer. Payne’s bail was set at $10,000 — but he hasn’t forked over the cash yet … so he’s still locked up. A rep for History tells us, “Nicholas has not been part of the show since filming concluded last season … and we have no additional comment.” Payne is due in court next month. Permalink

Filed under: Pawn Stars , Reality TV Knowing a good mechanic is the key — the guys from ” Pawn Stars ” proved that Friday when their incinerated classic ’57 Chevy was fixed within hours and returned in tip top shape. Immediately after the fire was extinguished, the car was sent to show regular The Count from Count Customs, who replaced the tires and steering wheel … as well as lots of other parts.

Filed under: Reality TV , Swamp People The loveable gator hunting dog from ” Swamp People ” is back in action after a heart scare. Tyler was rushed to a vet

Filed under: Exclusive , Ride Me A History Channel orgy that brought together the stars of ” American Pickers ,” ” American Restoration, ” and ” Pawn Stars ” has ended in a fiery wreck. In case you missed the 3-show special — “American Pickers” found a classic, ’57 Chevy fixer-upper … “American Restoration” brought it back to life … and then both shows gifted it to the Old Man from “Pawn Stars” as a birthday present. But in a tragic turn of events, it overheated this morning … and burst into flames. Bad luck for the Old Man … it’s the second time this year one of his cars was incinerated by fire — back in February, his 1966 Imperial Crown Convertible — another cherry car –

Filed under: Sharon Stone , Celebrity Justice , Exclusive Police raced to Sharon Stone ‘s L.A. mansion early this morning, after the actress called 911, concerned that someone may have broken into the home — fortunately, it was a false alarm.

Filed under: X Factor Simon Cowell isn’t the only judge “X Factor” contestant Chris Rene has faced in his life — TMZ has learned Rene was busted twice for drugs … before he finally found sobriety. According to police records, Rene was busted in January 2007 for possession of a controlled substance (meth). The case was dropped in 2008 after Rene completed a diversion program. Rene’s drug history goes all the way back to 2002. According to law enforcement sources, Rene was popped in West Hollywood in 2002 for felony possession of cocaine. That case was dismissed after he served probation. Last week on “X Factor” … Simon put Chris through to the next round — provided he “stays on the right track.” So far, so good. Permalink

Filed under: Michael Jackson , Conrad Murray , Celebrity Justice TMZ has obtained the questionnaires from the jurors who were selected to sit in judgement of Dr. Conrad Murray in the Michael Jackson manslaughter case.

Filed under: 50 Cent , Celebrity Justice 50 Cent employs violent known criminals who viciously attack women when they don’t get their way … this according to a new lawsuit. According to the suit, obtained by TMZ, 50 Cent hired a guy named Dwayne McKenzie — although it’s not clear exactly what McKenzie did for the rapper.

An ongoing case of two former transit police officers who allegedly beat up a man during a Bronx traffic stop reached a second mistrial on Monday after the defense claimed it was did not receive information about the accuser’s past history of domestic violence.

The New York Yankees’ long-time closer Mariano Rivera made history Saturday when he got the last three outs of the Bronx Bombers’ 7-6 win in Toronto to record his 601st career save.

Filed under: Bruce Buffer , TMZ Sports It would be the most epic showdown in history — Mickey Mouse vs. Donald Duck — but famed UFC announcer Bruce Buffer tells TMZ, there is a clear-cut favorite … if the conditions are just right. Permalink

Filed under: Tiger Woods , Elin Nordegren , Rachel Uchitel , TMZ Sports Tiger Woods wasn’t the only living creature whose life was ruined on that fateful night in November 2009 — the tree he crashed his Escalade into has been murdered … TMZ has learned. Sources close to the tree tell us … new neighbors moved in recently and began remodeling — and one of the first things they did was tear down the infamous oak tree. The construction company that did the job tells us the tree was in bad shape ever since the crash — and even though the new neighbors knew full well the tree’s place in history, they decided to get rid of it anyway. And don’t think the tree will be showing up on eBay anytime soon — it was NOT saved, it was simply trashed. We’re told a new tree will be planted soon, but in the meantime … there’s a Porta-Potty in its place. Symbolic of where Tiger’s career has gone, don’t you think? Permalink

Filed under: TMZ Live , TMZ Live Large Comedian Jeff Ross co-hosted today with Harvey and Charles … and was solely responsible for one of the funniest/most awkward moments in TMZ Live history. And, why Solange Knowles ‘ run-in with cops — involving an inflatable banana — looks like a childish cry for attention … how Jay-Z totally dissed Chris Brown … and why Jeff is genuinely proud of ” Dancing with the Stars ” for choosing Chaz Bono . Plus, how Harvey landed a spot on Charlie Sheen ‘s Comedy Central roast … and why Jeff thinks the boss man will be a huge hit. Permalink

Filed under: Taylor Armstrong , Russell Armstrong , Real Housewives , Exclusive TMZ has learned the L.A. County Coroner just paid a visit to Taylor Armstrong to find out what she knows about Russell Armstrong ‘s suicide, and the trip was necessary because Taylor has not made herself available for more than a week. Sources tell TMZ … The Coroner’s office wanted the meeting because Taylor was at the scene of Russell’s suicide when his body was discovered nearly 2 weeks ago.

Filed under: Paris Hilton , TV , Deadline It’s the end of “The World” for Paris Hilton — because her new reality show been cancelled after its one and only season … this according to a new report. NYMag.com reports the Oxygen Network will not renew ” The World According to Paris ” … after repeatedly scoring abysmally low in the ratings. However, a rep for the show tells us, “The show just recently completed its run and no pick up decision has been made.” Meanwhile, Kim Kardashian ‘s wedding special will probably be the highest rated program in the history of the E! channel. Permalink

Filed under: Jani Lane , R.I.P. , 911 Call , Exclusive When Jani Lane ‘s body was discovered at an L.A. hotel earlier this month, no one at the scene wanted to go near him… even to check if he was still alive — this according to the 911 call obtained by TMZ. According to the caller — a lady at the front desk — housekeepers discovered the body … but no one would touch it to check for a pulse. The dispatcher replies, “It would be nice to know if we can help him” — but the hotel staff at the Comfort Inn hotel in Woodland Hills, CA still refused. As we previously reported , investigators found a half-empty bottle of vodka and prescription pills on the scene. Toxicology results are expected shortly. Calls to the hotel haven’t been returned. Permalink

Filed under: Nickolas Ashford , Valerie Simpson , R.I.P. , Music Motown legend Nickolas Ashford — part of the singer-songwriter duo Ashford and Simpson — who penned several iconic hits, including “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” — died yesterday after a battle with throat cancer. In addition to “Ain’t No Mountain”, Ashford co-wrote several songs with his wife Valerie Simpson — including, “Ain’t Nothing Like the Real Thing”, “Solid (As a Rock),” “Reach Out and Touch (Somebody’s Hand)” and “I’m Every Woman.” The Songwriters Hall of Fame inducted Ashford and Simpson in 2002 — calling them “one of the most prolific and versatile musical couples in recording history.” Ashford was 70. Permalink

Filed under: Russell Armstrong , Taylor Armstrong , Real Housewives The L.A. County Coroner’s office wants to interview Taylor Armstrong about Russell Armstrong ‘s death … TMZ has learned after placing several calls to the Coroner. We’re told the Coroner has a number of questions about things she knows about Russell, including: — Russell’s medical history — Medication history — References he may have made about suicide — State of mind in the weeks preceding his death As TMZ first reported, Taylor was on the property where Russell committed suicide when his body was discovered, however she left before the Coroner arrived.

Filed under: Conrad Murray , Michael Jackson , Casey Anthony , Celebrity Justice , Exclusive Dr. Conrad Murray ‘s legal team filed legal papers claiming sequestering the jury during the Michael Jackson manslaughter trial is the only way to protect him and the system from Nancy Grace type “character assassinations.” In legal papers obtained by TMZ, Dr. Murray’s lawyers argue the only reason the Anthony jurors were untainted was because they were sequestered.

Filed under: David Moscow , TMZ TV We hit ” Big ” star David Moscow with an Earth-shattering concept — Twitter could have changed the entire course of history … y’know, if the Internet was actually around 2000 years ago. Check out TMZ on TV — click here to see your local listings! Permalink

Brooklyn has a storied beer history, and one professional tour guide is offering it up in a four hour bike tour.

Brooklyn has a storied beer history, and one professional tour guide is offering it up in a four hour bike tour.

Filed under: Michael Jackson , Conrad Murray , Celebrity Justice , Exclusive The Michael Jackson estate is tired of waiting for Lloyd’s of London to pay out on the $17.5 million ” This Is it ” insurance policy — so they’re going after Lloyd’s in court … demanding they pay up, stat. Lloyd’s of London originally issued the policy to cover potential losses for MJ’s 2009 “This Is It” concerts — but earlier this year, the company asked an L.A. court to declare the policy null and void … claiming MJ lied about his medical history and drug addiction. Lloyd’s insists the policy “was restricted to losses resulting from accident only” — pointing out Michael’s official cause of death was “homicide.” But the estate is now on the offensive — filing a cross-complaint, claiming MJ never intended to die, whether by homicide or not, so his death still qualifies as an accident. But the estate isn’t just settling for the original $17.5 million — they also want punitive damages.

Filed under: Adam Carolla , GLAAD , Exclusive Adam Carolla has quickly offered a half-assed apology for the anti-LGBT comments he made last week — telling TMZ, “I’m sorry my comments were hurtful. I’m a comedian, not a politician.” As we previously reported , Carolla said, “When did we start giving a sh*t about [transgender] people?” — during his podcast last week. The apology comes after a history of homophobic comments — including one where Adam said gay parents were “not as good as” straight parents — so we gotta ask … Permalink

Filed under: Adam Carolla , GLAAD , Exclusive Details Adam Carolla went on a SHOCKING anti-LGBT tirade last week, asking, “When did we start giving a sh*t about these [transgender] people?” — and now GLAAD is doing everything they can to yank him from the podcast-universe. Adam recorded the rant as part of his podcast for ” The Adam Carolla Show ” — insisting LGBT people should drop the acronym LGBT and start using “YUCK” instead. And now, the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation is reaching out to its allies in the entertainment industry to pull him from the air — telling TMZ, “The gross intolerance that [Adam] tries to pass off as comedy should not have a place on our airwaves.” Adam has a history of making anti-gay remarks on his podcast — two years ago, Adam also claimed gay parents were “not as good as” straight parents. Adam had no comment. Permalink

Filed under: Jani Lane , R.I.P. Investigators found a half-empty bottle of vodka and prescription medication in the hotel room where Jani Lane died yesterday … TMZ has learned. Sources tell us paramedics were called to the Comfort Inn in Woodland Hills, CA yesterday around 5:15 PM. He was pronounced dead on the scene. An autopsy is scheduled for later today. We’re told Lane’s death is being treated as an accidental overdose or a possible death from natural causes. Permalink